Cuomo vows same-sex marriages in NY

"I don't want to be the governor who just proposes marriage equality. I don't want to be the governor who lobbies for marriage equality. I don't want to be the governor who fights for marriage equality. I want to be the governor who signs the law that makes equality a reality in the state of New York," Cuomo said.

Cuomo's promise to legalize gay marriage is not new, but it had renewed resonance for New York's gay and lesbian community and their supporters.

Carl Paladino, Cuomo's Republican opponent, has declared his opposition to gay marriage. He apologized for remarks he made this past weekend that appeared to condemn homosexuality.

"I just think that my children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family, and I don't want them brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option. It isn't," he said on Sunday.

Paladino's critics say it's left them both outraged and energized. They applauded Cuomo's declaration of making same-sex marriage a reality.